County axes contract with home care services provider just months after award

A county council has terminated a contract with a provider of home care services just months after it was awarded.

Powys County Council will also partner with the Social Services Improvement Agency to carry out an independent review of the commissioning process and the awarded tenders for home care services.

The local authority said it had arrived at a mutual agreement with Reach Supported Living to terminate the contract and transfer provision to another company.

Cllr Darren Mayor, Cabinet member for Adult Care at Powys, said: “Our highest priority is the health and wellbeing of our citizens. Despite considerable support from the council, Reach have struggled to deliver the quality and consistency of care that we expect for our vulnerable citizens.

“Although the company has overcome many challenges, after much deliberation and discussion with the council, they have agreed to withdraw from service delivery in Powys in order to maintain a sustainable quality provision.”

Cllr Mayor said Powys would be extending its contract with another home care provider, Abercare, which already provides services in the north of the area.

He added: “The re-design and procurement of home care services was the largest transformation and commissioning process ever undertaken by the council and it is important not to overlook the success and performance of our three providers; Alphacare, Abacare and Carewatch.

“However, the council has been closely monitoring performance since the award of contracts to ensure that the high level of service demanded is maintained. We will analyse all aspects and take every opportunity to learn for the future to ensure that the highest possible service delivery is maintained.”